3 favorable matchups for the Vikings in Week 2 vs. the Cardinals
By Luke Parrish
Minnesota receivers vs. Arizona cornerbacks
The Arizona Cardinals have an excellent defense with an insane pass rush that will make life hard for the Vikings. Against the Bengals, it was clear that Cousins would have to attack their corners and let his receivers do all the work, which was exactly what happened. Thielen, Jefferson, and K.J. Osborn all made plays in the passing game.
It appears as if the Vikings have three wide receivers worth exploring all afternoon and Dede Westbrook could get there once he feels comfortable coming off his ACL injury. That is excellent news for Cousins and the passing game.
Arizona has a very, very good cornerback in Byron Murphy, but the rest of their corners are nothing to write home about. Robert Alford has a lot of experience, but Luq Barcoo – an undrafted cornerback in his second season – and fourth-round rookie Marco Wilson are the third and fourth options.
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Of course, Budda Baker will impact the game in both the run and pass defense, but avoiding him and Byron Murphy at all costs has to be part of the plan. Don’t play scared but also don’t force the ball to the receivers that are covered by their best defenders. Expect a big game from whichever receiver lines up on the opposite side from Murphy.